Malkangiri, Sept. 23 -- As Odisha's Malkangiri district braces for the impact of an approaching cyclone following a red alert, the district administration has ramped up disaster response measures, putting relief teams on standby and deploying heavy machinery to ensure "zero casualties".

Speaking to ANI on the district's preparedness, Malkangiri Collector Prathamesh Arvind Rajeshirke stated that heavy downpours are expected to intensify by Wednesday evening as the cyclone makes landfall, with rains likely continuing through Thursday morning.

"Khairput and Mathili blocks have already recorded over 60 mm and 80 mm of rain, respectively. The total rainfall in the district remains under 350 mm so far. The lull in rainfall since 6 AM is likel...